Philippines: Creation of Halal council lauded

THE Muslim community lauded the signing of the executive order creating the Halal Industry Development Council that will ensure the marketability of halal-certified Davao City products in both domestic and international markets.

Marilou Ampuan, president of the Universal Islamic Center Foundation (UICF) expressed her gratitude in Thursday’s I-Speak media forum for the support shown by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio a day after she signed the Executive Order No. 12 that will further promote and sustain the Halal industry of the city.

“We, the Muslims, thank our very supportive Mayor because last April 18, she signed the executive order that we endorsed. It is an order creating Davao City Halal Industry Development Council,” she said, adding that the EO is seen to position the city in becoming the halal model in the country.

Under the ordinance, different government agencies in the entire halal food value chain are called to merge their efforts in coming up with a unified system on production, certification, and marketing to catapult the country in the Global Halal Market.

According to her, it was the third time that the city passed an ordinance that is halal-related. The first one was the prohibition of non-certified establishments of using halal logo which has a corresponding penalty once proven guilty. Also, the creation of halal lane that requires supermarkets, grocery stores and other establishments selling raw fish, seafood, meat, processed meat, and other meat products.

“The purpose of this ordinance is to promote, protect and respect the religious belief, customs and traditions of the Muslim community in Davao City in their sacred concept of halal and to ensure spiritual purity and cleanliness on their food consumption,” the ordinance stated. “Halal” means “allowed” in Islam and in the Asean region, halal certified products are perceived as quality and wholesome. Traditionally, the term “halal” pertains to food but it has since been applied to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and clothing as consumers becomes more aware and conscious of what they eat and wear.